Insect Bite in an 11-Month-Old - What to Give

First: Immediate First Aid (No Medicine Needed)

1. Wash the bite with soap and water
2. Apply a cold pack or ice (wrapped in cloth) for 10-20 minutes to reduce swelling and itching
3. Keep nails trimmed short to prevent scratching and secondary infection

Syrup Options for Itching/Allergic Reaction

Important: Always confirm the dose with your pediatrician or pharmacist before giving any medicine to an infant under 1 year.

✅ Preferred Option - Cetirizine (e.g., Cetriz, Zyrtec, Okacet drops)

• Age: Approved from 6 months onwards in many countries
• Dose for 6-12 months: 2.5 mg once daily (usually 2.5 mL of a 1 mg/mL syrup)
• This is a second-generation antihistamine - less sedating, preferred in infants
• Generally safe with fewer side effects than older antihistamines

✅ Alternative - Chlorpheniramine Maleate (e.g., Cadistin, Piriton syrup)

• Dose for infants under 1 year: 1 mg (1 mL) every 4-6 hours - but only under doctor's advice
• First-generation antihistamine - can cause drowsiness or paradoxical excitability in infants
• Use only if cetirizine is unavailable

⚠️ Diphenhydramine (Benadryl syrup) - USE WITH CAUTION

• NOT recommended for children under 2 years without medical supervision
• Risks include respiratory depression and excessive sedation in infants

For Pain or Fever (if present)

• Paracetamol (Crocin/Calpol syrup): 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours - safe from birth
• Ibuprofen: can be used from 6 months onwards, 5-10 mg/kg per dose

Topical Options (Safer First Step)

• 1% Hydrocortisone cream - apply sparingly to bite area 2-3x/day
• Calamine lotion - soothing for itching
• Do NOT use topical Benadryl cream - gets absorbed through infant skin and can cause systemic side effects

⚠️ Go to a Doctor Immediately If:

• Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Hives spreading over the body
• Baby becomes very drowsy, pale, or lethargic
• Fever develops
• Bite becomes red, warm, swollen, or oozes fluid after 48 hours (sign of infection)
• Sting was from a bee, wasp, or scorpion